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Sergeant Major Cole enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 1983 and attended recruit training at MCRD San Diego, California during September of that year. Following recruit training, he attended Infantry Training School at Camp Pendleton, California, and upon completion was assigned the MOS 0341, Infantry Mortarman. In January 1984, then Private First Class Cole, was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as a Mortarman, Rifleman, Machinegunner, and Scout/Sniper. During his tour with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal and Corporal.
In February 1988, Corporal Cole reported to Division Schools, Camp Pendleton California. He served as an instructor at the Division Scout/Sniper School, and was a member of the 1st Marine Division Rifle and Pistol team. In May of 1988, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In June 1989, Sergeant Cole reported to Recruiter School, San Diego, California, and was subsequently assigned as a canvassing recruiter at Recruiting Station Oklahoma City. During this tour, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in June of 1991 and was assigned as a Recruiting Station NCOIC in January 1992.
In March 1993, Staff Sergeant Cole reported to the School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, California. He served as the 0311 Patrolling instructor as part of the Infantry Training Battalion.
In May 1995, Staff Sergeant Cole reported to 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, located at Camp Pendleton, California. While assigned there, he served as a Reconnaissance Team Leader, Diving Supervisor, and Direct Action Element Leader. He was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in November of 1996.
In June 1998 Gunnery Sergeant Cole reported to Recruiting Station, Oklahoma City, as the NCOIC of Recruiting Substation, Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant in June 2000.
In July 2000, First Sergeant Cole reported to 2nd Battalion 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton California where he served as Company First Sergeant for F Company and H&S Company.
In June 2005, Sergeant Major Cole was promoted to his current rank and reported to Marine Aircraft Group 46, Detachment Alpha, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California.
In February 2009, Sergeant Major Cole was assigned as the Base Sergeant Major for the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan.
In May, 2010, Sergeant Major Cole was posted to his current assignment as the Sergeant Major of 3rd Marine Division.
Sergeant Major Cole’s personal decorations include the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Combat “V’s” and three Gold Stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star, and Combat Action Ribbon. |